Game 127: Yankees Look To Take Second Straight On Joe Torre Day

Aug 22, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) reacts after grounding out to first base with men on second and third in the fifth inning against the Chicago white Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Players To Watch

Just as in my series preview, I’m sticking with White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu. He crushed his first Yankee Stadium home run in Friday night’s game, his 33rd of the season, and shouldn’t fear Kuroda. The 27-year-old will most likely bring home the AL Rookie of the Year, and if Kuroda repeats the same mistakes that last night’s Yankees’ starter, Shane Greene did, it could be a long day for the Bombers’ starter on the mound.

For the Yankees, it’s about time for first baseman Mark Teixeira to start heating back up. He leads the Yankees in almost all power numbers, and while he’s not anywhere near 100% healthy, he’s still a switch-hitting force in the middle of the Yankees lineup. With the inexperience of Carroll, one mistake to the veteran, and it could lead to a big day for Tex. Another guy to keep an eye on is DH Carlos Beltran. Yes, that Carlos Beltran. He’s been out after re-injuring his elbow, the one with a bone spur. He had a cortisone shot and swung the bat yesterday. Beltran has reported no issues other than a little stiffness, and said he hopes to be ready to go for Saturday’s matinee.